Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Saturday 8 June 1878, page 3


NEW CrtllNEA COLONIZATION.

THE documents appearing below, connected with the land-ing of the Colonist gold-finding expedition to New Guinea were placed at the disposal of the Sruiatu Countries publication "

Port Moresby, New Guinea, April 29. " The Hon. the Colonial! Secretary, Queensland

" Sir, - I have the honour to report to your Government that, on the 22nd April, the schooner Colonist arrived in this port, bringing a copy of the Queensland Government Gazette, in which I saw that his Excellency the Governor, With the advice of the Executive Council, had been pleased to honour me With on appointment as Government agent at this port Pending the arrival of instructions from your Government, I have assumed the responsibility of acting on your behalf as follows -

" On April 23 I boarded the schooner Colonist, and made a short address to the passengers, In which I informed them that I had the honour to represent your Government at this port, and that it would be my duty and pleasure to assist them in all lawful undertakings while in this country I gave them a few words of advice as to their method of deal-ing with the natives, and requested them to report to me immediately any case of theft committed by the natives, and that I would endeavour to recover the property for them without delay I afterwards called a meeting of the village chiefs and told them to report to me any damage done to them or their plantations by the white men or their

horses.

"I have the honour to report that only two cases of theft -have occurred The first case being reported to me immediately, I recovered the property about an hour later, with

the assistance of the chiefs and native teacher The second case was not reported till the following day, and the thief having meanwhile gone off to a neighbouring village, I have not yet been able to recover the stolen property

"The natives reported that one of their dogs had been shot, and, upon holding on inquiry, I found that the dog was accidentally shot, and the claim was adjusted by the payment of a tomahawk

" I have pleasure in reporting that at present perfect peace and goodwill exists between the natives and the white

men

" On April 23 I received the neighbouring chieftains as your representative, and having informed them that the new arrivals would most probably remain in the country, and that very likely more white man would 30m them, they requested me to ask for the protection of your Gov cra-

men ,

" I have the honour to forward herewith . written expression

of their wishes

1 It having come to my knowledge that the schooner Swan had left Cooktown with six men on board, and arrived here with five men, I asked the crew what had become of the sixth man Captain Brunel, having refused to accompany them any further was (according to their statement put ashore at Lizard Island, with provisions, but without firearms I took possession of the schooner on behalf of the Queensland Gov- comment until such time as I receive instructions from you, or an order for delivery from the owners with the consent of your Government.

111 have posted a notice that as Gov eminent Agent I will receive letters and forward mails by all vessels leaving the port for Queensland

"On April the 29th I was present as a visitor at a final meeting of prospectors before leaving Port Moresby, at which they agreed amongst themselves to adhere to certain rules during their absence inland I have the honour to forward a copy of their rules for the inspection of your

Government

"Rule 10 was opposed by several member s, list was finally carried by about two thirds of the party After the meeting I heard several members express their opinion that Rule 10 would never be kept Other however especially Kinsella, threatened to shoot any man who broke it

After the meeting the committee presented me with an address, which I forward to- the 1n.pct.t10_ of your Government Qiirntti 1 lake

" I have the honour to inform your Government that there are at present for nine British subjects depending, on the port for supplies and communication with Australia exclusive of the Muston Society s employees I am expo bug fresh arrivals from Cooktown, and also from 'New Zealand

" I have the honour to inform your Government that large trading canoes from the coast near the Aird and Fly Rivers have lately been to this port with supplies of sago I have taken capital care to make friends with them, as their territory has hitherto been considered hostile It is of importance to open peaceable communications With them, as their land is very rich 111 sago, palms, and cocoanuts I have received on invitation to visit them, and a promise of protection from one of the chiefs An old man is also

stopping at this village to return with me as soon as I can

find an opportunity to go.

-I have, etc.

W B. IXOHAM,

"Agent Queensland Government."